Belgium vs. Egypt: Why Mo Salah's Pharaohs can make it out of Group G at World Cup 2026 after 1-1 draw in opening game

Egypt kicked off their World Cup 2026 campaign on Monday evening, securing a 1-1 draw against Group G rivals Belgium at Seattle's Lumen Field.

The Pharaohs took a surprise lead through Al Ahly's Emam Ashour with less than 20 minutes on the clock, but while the African giants tried their best to hold out, they were pegged back by an own-goal from Mohamed Hany.

A 1-1 draw with the Red Devils is not the worst result, especially considering the level of opposition elsewhere in the group, and Hossam Hassan's men will take confidence from their showing.

Here, after their opening game, Sports Mole takes a look at the reasons why Egypt can make it to the knockout rounds during World Cup 2026.

Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush look dangerous in World Cup opener

Egypt talisman Mohamed Salah was raring to go this week, keen to make an impact on the world stage, and he was the one to provide the assist for his country's opener.

The Liverpool legend has been the leading light for the Pharaohs for almost a decade now, but he was unable to perform at his best during the 2018 World Cup due to the shoulder injury that he suffered in the Champions League final just weeks prior.

This time around, Salah came into the tournament weeks removed from a muscle injury, and on the back of a difficult final season for the Reds under Arne Slot.

That first point could have been the reason why the 33-year-old was substituted with roughly 15 minutes to play, but for the time he was on the pitch, he linked up well with the likes of Omar Marmoush during the rare counterattacking moments that Egypt enjoyed.

Keeping Salah fit and firing for the two remaining group games will be vital to the nation's hopes of progression, and after seeing his attack produce 14 shots - as well as match Belgium for shots on target (3) and big chances (2) - manager Hassan will be optimistic.

Belgium are the standout team in Group G

The Pharaohs may not have an entire squad of top-level players to select for each game, but a pairing of Salah and Marmoush would go toe-to-toe with almost any duo at the tournament, and they helped their team earn a point against the favourites to top Group G.

Hassan's side were decisive enough to score and tenacious enough in defence to walk away with a draw against Belgium, who are ranked ninth in the world by FIFA, and similar performances in their remaining games could see them triumph.

Looking ahead, Egypt will come up against 85th-ranked New Zealand next week, with the All Whites having lost nine of their last 11 matches.

Five days later, the Pharaohs are set to face a tougher test in 20th-ranked Iran, though considering their ability to hold their own against the Red Devils, they will be feeling hopeful.

With that in mind, while the African giants will be disappointed to have surrendered the lead on Monday, a draw against what is likely to be the toughest opponent in their group will be seen as an overall positive.

Egypt will be desperate to make history

Apart from the fact that it caused them to drop points, Egypt will be ruing their own-goal against Belgium because it extended the wait for their first-ever win at the World Cup finals.

This summer's edition represents the fourth time that the Pharaohs have appeared at the tournament - the first coming all the way back in 1934 - and just the second since 1990.

It cannot be overstated how much a victory on the biggest stage would mean for Egyptian football, which has endured a number difficult spells over the last 15 years.

Additionally, while Salah has an argument to be considered the greatest Premier League player of all time, some pundits have questioned his international legacy, and a win would serve to silence his detractors.

Such a unified determination and goal will be beneficial with two games remaining in the group stage, especially given that the clash against New Zealand will be seen as a golden opportunity to put points on the board.